In China’s rapidly growing AI space, one name has suddenly surged into the spotlight — Manus AI. This new AI chatbot has become a viral sensation on platforms like RedNote (小红书), where users are calling it “the next DeepSeek”. But what exactly is Manus AI? Why did it go viral so quickly? And what makes it stand out in a crowded field of AI assistants?
Let’s explore what’s behind the Manus AI hype — and how you can track its rise with the FoxData.
Manus AI is a Chinese-developed large language model (LLM) chatbot, built to help users write, learn, solve problems, and code. It’s designed for both English and Chinese, offering smooth multi-turn conversations similar to ChatGPT — but with a tone and output that feel more localized and youth-friendly.
Its strengths lie in:
All of this is packed in a minimalist, fast, and free-to-use interface — no account needed, and no VPN required.
💡Read More: Manus AI: The Next DeepSeek or Just Another AI Hype?
The viral boom started on RedNote, China’s lifestyle and trend-sharing platform, where students and creators began sharing screenshots of Manus AI’s witty responses and useful outputs.
Three key reasons explain its instant popularity:
1. Smart, Chinese-first OutputUnlike most global AI tools, Manus AI is tuned for Mandarin speakers — giving nuanced, culturally relevant answers.
No signup. No subscription. No VPN. This made it incredibly easy to try — and even easier to share.
The platform's Gen Z users loved Manus AI’s interface and results, flooding it with organic buzz and viral content.
Manus AI was founded by a post-90s Chinese entrepreneur, whose identity is still emerging in public interviews. What is known is that the CEO has a background in top-tier Chinese tech companies and AI research, along with a clear understanding of what Gen Z users seek in terms of intuitive and functional digital tools.
From its youthful tone to UI simplicity, Manus AI reflects a focus on practical, everyday use, much like other viral-generation products such as Notion and Figma. This alignment with the preferences of digital-native users is a key factor in its growing success.
Feature | Manus AI | DeepSeek | ChatGPT |
Chinese Language Optimization | Excellent, with localized outputs and cultural relevance | Strong, academically oriented | Decent, but primarily Western-focused |
VPN Requirement | None | None | Required in China |
UI/ UX Simplicity | Fast, minimalistic and user-friendly | Slightly complex interface | Clean, but heavier interface |
Content Tone | Youthful and friendly, appealing to Gen Z users | Academic and formal tone | Neutral tone |
Free Access | Limited free tier, premium plans available | Limited free access | GPT-4 access requires payment |
Best For | Students, Creators, Gen Z | Professionals and researchers | Broad user base |
✅ Key Highlight: Manus AI is often referred to as the “轻便版的DeepSeek” — a lightweight, Gen-Z-friendly alternative with easier access and a fun, responsive tone.
Explore more: Why is DeepSeek, China's AI Dark Horse, Dominating Global Download Charts?
As of March 31, 2025, Manus AI introduced two subscription plans:
Users can also purchase additional credits through top-up packs.
Additional Monetization Strategies:
Maintaining accessibility while introducing premium features will be essential for sustainable growth.
At FoxData, we’ve been closely monitoring Manus AI’s explosive growth. Using the FoxData- App Intelligence, you can:
🔍 Track Trending Keywords:
Manus AI ranks #1 for hot keywords like “manus,” “manus ai,” and “manus ai agent” on iPhone. It currently ranks for 214,744 keywords, including 10,125 unique ones, outperforming its competitors in 42 keyword segments — helping marketers refine their ASO strategy.
Keyword Explore- Competitor Analysis
📈 Competitor Keyword Explorer:
Understand how Manus AI stacks up against similar AI products across search rankings, downloads, and visibility.
⭐ Ratings & Reviews:
According FoxData- AI Review Summary, users consistently praise Manus AI in three areas:
It’s recognized as an intelligent assistant that not only increases efficiency but also helps users learn and grow.
👉 Find Out More: FoxData's Latest Update: "AI Review Summary" and "Keyword Explore"
With its Gen Z-friendly tone, no-login access, and practical features, Manus AI is quickly becoming one of China’s hottest AI tools. It’s more than just a chatbot — it reflects a new wave of smart, localized tech made for how today’s users think, learn, and create.
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